NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED TRIBES (NCST)

About: 

• Established in: 2004. 
  
  
• Constitutional Provisions: 
  • It was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003. 
    
    
  • By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions namely- (i) the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and (ii) the NCST w.e.f. 19 February, 2004. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Composition: 
  • The term of office of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and each member is three years from the date of assumption of charge. 
    
    
  • The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister, and the Vice-Chairperson that of a Minister of State and other Members have the ranks of a Secretary to the Government of India. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Functions of the Commission (Under Clause (5) of Art. 338A): 
  • To Monitor safeguards provided for STs under the Constitution or under other laws; 
    
    
  • To inquire into specific complaints relating to Rights & Safeguards of STs; 
    
    
  • To advise in the Planning Process relating to Socio-economic development of STs; 
    
    
  • To submit report to the President annually and other times on welfare Measures required related to Socio-economic development of STs; 
    
    
  • To discharge such other functions in relation to STs as the President may by rule specify;